The Reverend Debra Trakel,
Rector
The Reverend Debra Trakel, Rector of St. Christopher's, hails from the heartland. She grew up in Milwaukee, attending Mount Mary College for undergraduate and the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee for graduate school. After a successful career as a clinical social worker and organizational development specialist, Debra answered the call to prepare for priesthood. Not wanting to stray too far from her Midwestern roots, she sought her M. Div. at Seabury Western Theological Seminary in Evanston, Illinois.
Debra recently came to us from St. James in Milwaukee where she served as rector. She has served as the Associate Chaplain at St. Francis House, the University of Wisconsin-Madison Episcopal campus ministry. She has also served on the staff of the Bishop of Milwaukee as Assistant for Pastoral Care. Before coming to St. James, Mother Debra was the priest-in-charge at Holy Cross Episcopal Church in Wisconsin Dells.
Gust Olson,
Parish Administrator
Gust Olson III, a native of Iowa, earned his PhD in Slavic Languages and Literatures at the University of Toronto in 1980. He and his family lived in Canada for 31 years, where he taught Russian language & literature at the University of Alberta, and managed the professional journal, Canadian Slavonic Papers. He moved to Milwaukee in 2003 with wife Hope, now Interim Dean in the School of Information Studies at UWM. He is an active member at St. James' Episcopal Church in central city Milwaukee, where he especially enjoys playing the cello in the ensemble, Joyful Noise. He is a deputy to Diocesan Convention, and has served on the diocesan Standing Committee.
John Beardsley, Music Director
John has served as organist and choir master at St. Christopher's since 1991. He was raised in Milwaukee and received his degree in music from Olivet Nazarene College in Kankakee, Illinois with a specialty in organ. John is an active member of the church and has been a participant of "Journey in Faith." When he's not filling the church with beautiful music, John works for Milwaukee County.
Gloria Bond, Housekeeper
Gloria arrives generally before anyone else and stays long after everyone has gone home to keep the building clean and shining. Gloria recently retired from Manpower, Inc, and is married to the Rev. Oscar Bond.
Mike Schneider, Building & Grounds Superintendent
Mike, who has years of experience in plant supervision and heating and air conditioning servicing, coordinates St. Christopher's physical plant maintenance and event management. Mike works full time in the facilities department at the University School of Milwaukee.
